Accolade's Lousada quits after management shake-up

A shake-up in the management structure of Accolade Wines has seen European commercial general manager James Lousada leave the business to be replaced by two new managers.

The fifth biggest global wine company decide to split the European job into two separate roles – one covering the UK and Ireland, and the other covering mainland Europe.

The move is intended to “drive growth and profitability”.

Ted Popov, former sales director for mainland Europe, will take on the role of commercial general manager for mainland Europe.

Lousada was offered the role of commercial general manager for the UK and Ireland but has “taken the difficult decision to leave the business”.

Instead Paul Schaafsma, currently general manager UK & Ireland of Australian Vintage Ltd will take on the new role of commercial general manager UK & Ireland from September 3.

Accolade Wines Chief Executive Troy Christensen said: “We are sorry to see James leave the business, as he has done an excellent job.

“However, creating focus on these two parts of the business is vital for Accolade Wines moving forward. “We need the dual focus to ensure that we can act with greater pace and flexibility at this challenging time for the wine industry.

“Accolade Wines UK is the engine room of the global business, and I am pleased to be able to bring a man of Paul’s abilities into the business to take on this role.

“The Mainland Europe market on the other hand is fast growing, with new opportunities emerging all of the time.

“Ted has proved himself already in this market and I am sure he will step up to this new challenge.”